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Roosevelt review
Eleanor Roosevelt (left), Princess Juliana of the Netherlands (center) and Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the garden
of the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park, New York in 1943, a personal friendship that typifies the warmth of
Dutch-American relations.
Twenty Years of Challenges and Achievements
The year 2006 marked the RSC’s 20th launching of an electronic peer-reviewed
anniversary celebration, coupled with its return academic journal, European Journal of
to its newly renovated offices and library in the American Studies or EJAS by the European
beautiful Middelburg Abbey—an exciting Association for American Studies (EAAS)
moment for the staff and everyone who has deserves mention. As a major supporter of this
ever visited, contributed to and participated in new venture, RSC staff members Cornelis A.
the RSC’s activities. Anniversary speeches van Minnen, Hans Krabbendam, and Giles
delivered by the president of the Royal Scott-Smith will serve as editors of the section
Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, on history, social sciences, and international
Professor Frits van Oostrom, and the president relations for the first three years (see page 8).
of the European Association for American
Studies, Professor Marc Chénetier, clearly The RSC’s commitment to quality is also
underscored the great appreciation for the visible in all its other recurring work,
RSC’s commitment to scholarship and its place including the Theodore Roosevelt American
Newsletter of in Europe which has increased considerably history awards, the Franklin D. Roosevelt
the Roosevelt with the passage of time. Four Freedoms ceremony, the research grants
Study Center and Fulbright scholar programs, its public
Two new projects reflect the RSC’s ongoing lecture series and new book publications.
2006 pursuit of scholarly challenges. One is the Since its opening to the public in 1986, the
RSC’s initiative to develop a comprehensive RSC has become a leader in the field of
volume on the strong ties between the contemporary Dutch-American studies,
Netherlands and America to highlight the contributing scholarship both to academicians
400th anniversary of these relations which will and to the Zeeland community in which it
be celebrated in 2009. The book will offer a resides. All who have been associated with the
major contribution to the body of Dutch- RSC look forward with great expectations to
American historical literature. Secondly, the the next two decades. aA Word About the Roosevelt Study Center
- a program of international conferences and
seminars on American history, U.S.-
European relations, and the contemporary
meaning of Franklin Roosevelt’s Four
Freedoms;
- conference rooms with audio-visual facilities;
- a publication series;
- an annual newsletter.
In 2006 a rotating Fulbright-Dow
Distinguished Research Chair of the
Roosevelt Study Center, sponsored by Dow
After a two year Benelux, the Royal Netherlands Academy of
renovation period, the Arts and Sciences, and the Fulbright Scholar
Roosevelt Study Center Program, was established. To apply for this
has returned to its fellowship, prominent U.S. scholars working
location in the in the field of U.S. history and American
medieval Abbey of Studies are invited to contact the Council for
Middelburg in the International Exchange of Scholars in
Province of Zeeland, Washington, D.C. (www.cies.org, see
the Netherlands. Fulbright Distinguished Chairs
Program/Netherlands). Each fellowship
allows the recipient to work for a four-month
period at the RSC on a book project or
article(s) for a peer-reviewed academic
The Roosevelt Study Center (RSC) is a journal. Candidates are also expected to
research institute and conference center for deliver occasional guest lectures. The RSC is
modern American history and European- happy to be able to offer two Fulbright-Dow
American relations. It is named after three Distinguished Research Chair fellowships
famous Americans: President Theodore each year. Awards in the Fulbright
Roosevelt (1858-1919), President Franklin D. Distinguished Chairs Program are viewed as
Roosevelt (1882-1945), and Eleanor Roosevelt among the most prestigious appointments in
(1884-1962), who trace their roots to the the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Dutch Province of Zeeland from where their
common ancestor left for the New World in The RSC library may be used year round for
the mid-seventeenth century. research by appointment only. Please contact
the secretariat in advance of your visit. Office
The RSC is affiliated with the Royal and library hours: 9.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to
RSC Board of Trustees Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences 16.30. Visiting address: Abdij 8, Middelburg.
George R.J. van and a founding member of the American For information on the RSC holdings and
Heukelom Studies Network, a cooperation of some activities, please visit our website:
President twenty American Studies centers in Europe. www.roosevelt.nl or contact the RSC at tel.
Rein Jan Hoekstra In developing its activities and building its +31 (0)118-631590, fax +31 (0)118-631593,
Secretary collections, the RSC is supported by the email: rsc@zeeland.nl. a
Jan G.F. Veldhuis Provincial Government of Zeeland, the
Treasurer Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute at The RSC staff (left to right): Giles Scott-Smith,
Herman Balthazar Hyde Park, New York, the Theodore Kim van der Wijngaart, Cornelis A. van Minnen,
Otto von der Gablentz Roosevelt Association in Oyster Bay, Hans Righolt, Leontien Joosse, Enne Koops, Rienk
New York, and an Advisory Board of Terpstra, Hans Krabbendam, and Boris Heersink.
Cornelis A. van Minnen prominent European scholars.
Executive Director
The RSC offers European students and
RSC Advisory Board advanced scholars of American history:
Anthony J. Badger - a research library with collections of
Doeko Bosscher historical documents and books on modern
Detlef Junker U.S. history not available anywhere else in
Serge Ricard Europe;
- a grants-in-aid program for European
researchers;
- an annual prize for the best Dutch M.A.
theses on American history topics;
2The Theodore Roosevelt American History Awards
The annual prize for the best thesis on a topic of
American history by a Dutch MA student, the
Theodore Roosevelt American History Award
(TRAHA), was presented on April 21, 2006 in
Middelburg. The prize, which has been awarded
since 1987, is sponsored by the Theodore
Roosevelt Association of Oyster Bay, New York,
in memory of TR’s accomplishments as a
historian. This year nine MA theses were
submitted by students from the universities of
Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, Nijmegen and
Groningen. The criteria for deciding on the prize
winners are original subject-matter, critical
analysis of primary sources and up-to-date Group photo of
knowledge of the secondary literature, logical The jury awarded the first prize to Agustin authors and jury
and effective argument, contribution to ongoing Mackinlay (University of Amsterdam) members in front of
debates in the field, and fluent writing. for his thesis “Charles de Gaulle and the the Abbey.
Deconstruction of the Dollar.” According to
The jury, consisting of Professor Wil Verhoeven the jury, “this well-written and well-organized
(University of Groningen), Professor Adam dissertation offers a cogent and original analysis
Fairclough (University of Leiden), and Ms. of the complex relationship between monetary
Laura Maessen (TRAHA winner in 2005), policy, nationalism, and ideological supremacy.”
after careful deliberation, were pleased to
present the following awards: As first prize winner, Agustin Mackinlay won a
Anna Woltz (Leiden) received the third prize trip to New York where, hosted by the Theodore
and € 125 in prize money for her thesis, “There Roosevelt Association and the Franklin and
are Things Worse Than Death!: Black-White Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, he visited a number
Sexual Relationships in the U.S. South until of Roosevelt sites including TR’s home at
1940.” Her thesis offered an analysis of how Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, Long Island, TR’s
white southerners attempted to control sexual birthplace and the American Museum of Natural
relationships between blacks and whites in a way History in Manhattan, and Hyde Park, the
that was consistent with slavery and, after the residence of FDR and Eleanor. Agustin was
emancipation of the slaves, with a system of impressed with the scholarly side of TR visible in
white supremacy. Second prize and € 250 in “the overwhelming presence of books” in every First prize winner
prize money went to Suzanne Brinkman (Free room at Sagamore Hill. Agustin then visited the Agustin Mackinlay
University of Amsterdam) for her thesis, “Books FDR Presidential Library and Museum. (left) with
are Weapons in the War of Ideas: Propaganda in Reflecting on his trip, he remarked, “One can John G. Staudt,
the Armed Services Edition, 1943-1947.” read countless essays and books about TR and Associate Director
Analyzing the government-sponsored dissemi- FDR. But to actually see where and how they of the Theodore
nation of books to the Armed Services, her thesis lived is to gain a new and invaluable perspective. Roosevelt Association.
focused on the role of the abridgement of litera- The elusive but fundamental ideal of good
ture as a means of promoting a particular version government – symbolized by the name Roosevelt
of America at a particular historical moment. – is at the root of the bond between the United
Both these prize winners were also presented States and the Netherlands. May that ideal be
with a replica of TR’s 1905 Inaugural Medal. kept alive!” a
RSC Lecture Series in Transatlantic Relations
On April 12, 2006, the second lecture in the RSC
Transatlantic Lecture series, open to the public,
was delivered by historian Bart Jan Spruyt.
His subject, “Defending the West: Neo-
Conservatism and the Need for New Churchills,”
offered an interesting interpretation of the roots
and development of neo-conservatism in the
United States and its possible influence in the
present-day Dutch multicultural society.
Spruyt’s views generated a lively debate with the
audience. The series was launched in October
2005 with a lecture by Professor Karel van
Wolferen (University of Amsterdam) on Bart Jan Spruyt, in lively debate with students,
“The Bush Administrations and Europe: was the second speaker in the RSC Transatlantic
The End of the Transatlantic Alliance.” a Lectures Series. 3The Four Freedoms Awards
The 2006 Winners
The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute
presented the prestigious Four Freedoms
Awards this year to the following persons:
- Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes received the
Freedom of Speech and Expression Medal from
William J. vanden Heuvel, Co-Chair of the
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute,
and Professor Patrick Collard, Head of the
Department of Romanic languages at
Ghent University;
Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands with the 2006 Four Freedoms - The Taizé Community in France,
Awards laureates, from left to right: Queen’s Commissioner in the Province represented by its prior, Brother Alois, was
of Zeeland Willem T. van Gelder, Muhammad Yunus, Her Royal Highness presented the Freedom of Worship Medal by
Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Mohamed ElBaradei, Queen Beatrix Terry Waite, a former laureate of that Medal,
of the Netherlands, Carlos Fuentes, His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, and Simon Jelsma, Co-Founder of
Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel, Brother Alois, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, OXFAM/NOVIB, Dutch Division Amnesty
and Martin Morland on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. International, Nationale Postcode Loterij;
- The Freedom from Want Medal was
presented to Professor Muhammad Yunus, the
The Four Freedoms Awards are bestowed founding father of the micro-credit movement,
annually by the Franklin and Eleanor by Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima and
Roosevelt Institute on people who advanced Elizabeth Roosevelt Johnston, great-grand-
the principles of freedom of speech, of daughter of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt;
religion, and of freedom from want and from - The Freedom from Fear Medal was awarded
fear. Since 1982 the awards have been to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who because of her
presented in the even-numbered years to house arrest by the military junta of Myanmar
distinguished international figures in (formerly Burma), was unable to leave her
Middelburg, capital city of the Province of country. On her behalf the Medal was received
Zeeland. In odd-numbered years the medals by former British ambassador to Burma,
Laureate (and are awarded to American citizens in Hyde Martin Morland, who received the Medal from
Nobel Prizewinner) Park, New York, the former residence of Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, granddaughter of
Muhammad Yunus Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and Co-Chair
with Her Royal of the Roosevelt Institute;
Highness Princess On May 13, 2006, the Nieuwe Kerk in - The 2006 Four Freedoms Medal was
Máxima of Middelburg’s Abbey served for the thirteenth presented by Ben Bot, Netherlands Minister of
the Netherlands. time since 1982 as the site for the presentation Foreign Affairs, to Mohamed ElBaradei, the
of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms director general of the International Atomic
Awards. Among the hundreds of guests from Energy Agency.
all over the world were Her Majesty the Queen
of the Netherlands, His Royal Highness the The speeches delivered at the ceremony will
Prince of Orange, and Her Royal Highness soon be published by the RSC as part of its
Princess Máxima of the Netherlands. publication series. a
NASA Conference on Multiculturalism After 9/11
Organized by Jaap Verheul and Derek Rubin Zeeland Library and open to the public,
of Utrecht University, the Roosevelt Study a comparative analysis of Dutch and American
Center hosted the annual Netherlands multiculturalism was offered. The program also
American Studies Association (NASA) featured analyses of multiculturalism at work in
Conference from June 7-9, 2006. The three- literature; hegemonic constructions of national
day conference explored the topic identity; American identity in history textbooks;
“Multiculturalism and Integration after 9/11: assimilation theory; the Americanization of
Transatlantic Dialogue,” examining the many (Eastern European) Georgia; and the
developments within the multicultural debate perspectives of Muslim minorities.
Keynote speaker after the catastrophic events of 9/11. Keynotes were delivered by Paul Lauter,
Paul Lauter. Sociologists, literary and cultural scholars, professor of literature at Trinity College in
and historians from the Netherlands, Belgium, Hartford, Connecticut, Han Entzinger,
Austria, Ireland, France, and the United States professor of migration and integration studies
concentrated on the benefits and failures of at Rotterdam’s Erasmus University, and
American as compared to European experiences Richard D. Alba, professor of sociology at the
4 with multiculturalism. In a debate staged at the State University of New York in Albany. a20 Years RSC: A Celebration
The interesting and informative academic
session was followed by a lively and festive
reception (left). Below, the jazz music
of the Louisiana Rhythm Boys during
the reception added to the celebratory
atmosphere.
On November 15, 2006, the Roosevelt Study
Center auditorium was packed with almost a
hundred people who gathered to celebrate the
twentieth anniversary of the RSC, the
inauguration of the RSC’s newly established
Fulbright-Dow Distinguished Research Chair,
and its return this autumn to its refurbished
The speakers at the 20th anniversary program: home in the medieval Abbey of Middelburg.
Chat Blakeman, Deputy Chief of Mission of the The guests included the mayor of Middelburg,
American Embassy in The Hague, Richard Koos Schouwenaar, David Roosevelt,
Horwitz, Fulbright-Dow Distinguished Research grandson of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt,
Chair, Frits van Oostrom, President of the Royal and many colleagues from universities in the
Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Professor Marc Chénetier, President of the
European Association for American Studies, with Established in 1984 in its by-laws as the
RSC Director Cornelis A. van Minnen. Roosevelt Study Center for Europe Vice-Chair of Dow
Foundation by the Provincial Government of Benelux Ed de Graaf
Zeeland, the next two years were a period of with David B. Roosevelt.
laying the organizational groundwork for the
Center. In cooperation with the Franklin and
Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and the Theodore
Roosevelt Association, both based in New
York, the RSC opened its doors to the public
in 1986. Since that time the RSC has served as
an outstanding research and conference center
in Europe for the study of U.S. history and
U.S.-European relations. a
Left to right: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts
and Sciences director for research Theo Mulder with
RSC Academic Advisory Board members Serge
Ricard (Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris) and Doeko
Bosscher (University of Groningen) in the
microform reading room.
The RSC Board of Trustees in the library standing
under a portrait of Theodore Roosevelt (left to
right): Otto von der Gablentz, George van
Heukelom, Rein Jan Hoekstra, Herman Balthazar, 5
and Jan Veldhuis.Research Projects RSC Staff
Current Projects U.S. State Department’s Foreign Leader
Dutch-American relations is the current focus Program in Western Europe, 1950-1970, with
of research by the RSC staff. Three Ph.D. an emphasis on the Netherlands.
candidates on the staff are working on a joint
RSC/Utrecht University research program Completed Ph.D. Theses
covering post-World War II Dutch-American Erik van den Berg, a former RSC Ph.D.
relations: Rienk Terpstra is writing a thesis candidate, defended his Ph.D. thesis Claim on
on “Dutch-American Nuclear Relations, Memory: A Political Biography of Franklin
1949-1969,” Kim van der Wijngaart’s thesis D. Roosevelt, Jr. 1914-1988 at the University
covers Dutch-American relations in the of Leiden, the Netherlands, on February 1,
period 1969-1977, while Hans Righolt is 2006. The result of an RSC-Leiden University
Cover of Erik van studying bilateral relations in the years 1977- sponsored research project and based on
den Berg’s thesis on 1985. In another joint research project of RSC extensive research in many U.S. libraries and
FDR, Jr. and Theological University in Kampen, archives, this volume offers a fascinating
Ph.D. candidate Enne Koops is working on contribution to both American political
Cover of Usha “The Emigration of Calvinistic Dutch to history and the family history of the Roosevelts.
Wilbers’ thesis on the North America, 1946-1963.”
Paris Review. In addition, RSC senior staff members have Usha Wilbers, also a former RSC Ph.D.
recently completed book-length studies on candidate, defended her Ph.D. thesis
different aspects of Dutch-American relations: Enterprise in the Service of Art: A Critical
RSC Director Cornelis A. van Minnen’s History of The Paris Review, 1953-1973 at
biography of the Dutch-American Hendrik Nijmegen’s Radboud University on April 25,
Willem van Loon, Van Loon: Popular 2006. This is the first ever volume describing
Historian Journalist and FDR Confidant and analyzing the history of the influential
(2005) and Assistant Director Hans literary periodical The Paris Review. It is also
Krabbendam’s book on Dutch emigration to the first completed thesis in a projected series
the United States from 1840-1940 (see page 7). of three in the RSC-Radboud University
And finally, Senior Researcher Giles Scott- research program entitled “Magazines and
Smith is in the process of completing a book Periodicals as Instruments of Twentieth-
(scheduled for publication in 2007) on the Century American Culture.” a
The RSC Research Grants Program
Thanks to a generous contribution from the - Simone Diender (University of Amsterdam,
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, the the Netherlands), “The Representation of
RSC is able to offer European students of Cuba in the U.S. Newspapers, 1895-1902”
American history a unique opportunity to (M.A.);
conduct research in the RSC library, which - Kamil Zwolski (University of Zielona
holds numerous U.S. historical documents not Gora, Poland), “U.S. Policy Toward the
available anywhere else in Europe. European Union According to Leading
American Think Tanks” (M.A.);
In 2006 the following persons received an - Sylwia Kuzma (University of Bialystok,
RSC Research Grant for their projects: Poland), “Public Activism of American
- Kristofer Allerfeldt (University of Exeter, Women in the 1920s” (Ph.D.);
U.K.), “America and the Fall of the Roman - Andreas Hilger (University of Hamburg,
Empire, 1898-1924” (article); Germany), “Anti-Colonialism and the
- Colin Douglas (University of Plymouth, Cold War: Relations of the USSR with the
U.K.), “Richard Nixon and J. Edgar Third World in South Asia, 1941-1966”
Hoover: Manipulation and Deceit” (B.A.); (book);
- Ross Williams (University of Plymouth, - Kinga Grafa (Pultusk School of Humanities,
U.K.), “Civil Rights under the Truman Poland), “The Influence of Ivy League
Administration” (B.A.); Universities on U.S. Foreign Policy Toward
- Vincent Schouten (University of Amsterdam, Europe, 1947-1966” (Ph.D.);
the Netherlands), “The Succession of Joseph - Tom Davies (University of Leeds, U.K.),
The completely new Stalin in 1953: Reports in The New York “The U.S. Federal Government and the
library at the RSC Times and The Washington Post” (M.A.); End of the Civil Rights Movement,
gives scholars - Gert Boel (Ghent University, Belgium), 1966-1972” (M.A.).
additional space to “American Intervention in Chile,
pursue their research. 1961-1973” (M.A.); European students and advanced scholars are
- Adam Burns (University of Edinburgh, invited to apply for the 2007 Research Grants.
U.K.), “The Politics of Lynching in the Application forms and relevant information
U.S. South During Republican can be downloaded from the RSC website:
6 Administrations, 1897-1913” (M.A.); www.roosevelt.nl. aRSC Research Chair Just Published
Morsels in the Melting Pot: The Persistence of
Dutch Immigrant Communities in North
America, edited by George Harinck and
Hans Krabbendam (Amsterdam: VU University
Press, 2006).
The eighteen essays in this volume describe the
various ways in which small groups of Dutch
immigrants attempted to maintain their
identities in the United States and Canada
between 1800 and 2000. Despite their efforts
Professor Richard P. Horwitz, the first person to they did not escape the influence of the
occupy the Fulbright-Dow Distinguished Research assimilation process and of modernization.
Chair, was also part of the special academic
program to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Vrijheid in het verschiet. Nederlandse emigratie
the opening of the RSC. naar Amerika, 1840-1940 (In Search of Freedom:
Dutch Emigration to the U.S., 1840-1940) by
From October 2006 through January 2007 the Hans Krabbendam (Hilversum: Verloren, 2006).
RSC hosted Professor Richard P. Horwitz, About a quarter of a million Dutch immigrants
Senior Fellow of the Coastal Institute in Rhode in pursuit of freedom entered the United States
Island and Emeritus Professor of American in the hundred years between 1840-1940. In this
Studies at the University of Iowa, as holder of Dutch language monograph the RSC Assistant
the prestigious Fulbright-Dow Distinguished Director analyzes how especially Protestants
Research Chair. During his stay at the RSC, successfully built and maintained a subculture in
Professor Horwitz prepared several the American Midwest until the forces of
manuscripts for publication: an article in a modernization eroded local cohesion in the 1960s.
scholarly journal, a chapter in a forthcoming
anthology, and the beginning of a new book, Poverty and Progress in the U.S. South, since
his sixth. These writings draw lessons from 1920, edited by Suzanne W. Jones and Mark
his recent shift in career, from research and Newman (Amsterdam: VU University Press, 2006).
teaching for a university to emergency response Based on the Southern Studies Forum
and remediation planning for the state conference held at the RSC in September 2005,
environmental management agency. His aim is the fifteen essays in this volume, written by
to identify and improve cultural dimensions of scholars from both the U.S. and Europe,
response to environmental disasters, ranging examine a variety of responses to economic
from storms, disease outbreaks, or “hazmat” depression and poverty. An assessment is
(hazardous material) spills to breaches of offered of how far the South has progressed
“homeland security.” He also gave guest both socially and economically in the last
lectures at universities in Utrecht and century and whether the region’s reincarnation
Nijmegen in the Netherlands, in Dublin, as the Sunbelt has alleviated the burdens of the
Ireland, and in Ghent, Belgium. a region’s history. a
New Acquisitions at the RSC Library
Thanks to grants from the Franklin and Eleanor Eleanor Roosevelt Papers, General
Roosevelt Institute and the Zeeland Library, the Correspondence, 1945-1952, Part 3: 1950-1952
RSC was able to expand its microfilm collection The correspondence collected on these
with two sizeable purchases during 2006. 20 reels of microfilm shows the wide scope of
Eleanor Roosevelt’s interests, with many
The Richard M. Nixon National Security important clues concerning her political
Files, 1969-1974, Western Europe ideology and tactics.
This collection of 35 reels of microfilm Written in the early 1950s these letters clearly
originated in the office of National Security demonstrate her concerns about the plight of
Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. Originating the World War II refugees and displaced
from a great variety of agencies, from the State persons, the growth and true nature of
Department to the CIA, these documents Communism, the Cold War, as well as her
cover the major aspects of European- desire to promote peace and the United
American relations during the Nixon Nations. In addition, they reflect the depth
Administration: French nationalism, and range of her friendships and confirm the
German Ostpolitik, the monetary crisis, numerous people who depended on her for
arms reduction and NATO. advice and support. a
7Information
The Roosevelt Review
European Journal of American Studies
is the annual newsletter In 2006 the European Association for The committee decided to create two editorial
of the Roosevelt Study American Studies (EAAS) launched its new sections: one focusing on articles in the
Center. electronic peer-reviewed academic journal: disciplines literature, culture, the arts, while
European Journal of American Studies or the other team will deal with submitted articles
ISSN 1386-9094
EJAS (see http://ejas.revues.org). An initiative in the disciplines history, social sciences, and
For free copies and of current EAAS President Marc Chénetier, international relations. RSC staff members
information on the the journal hopes to constitute a genuine Cornelis A. van Minnen, Hans Krabbendam,
Center’s activities, forum for European Americanists of all and Giles Scott-Smith will serve as editors of
please contact the generations, national origins and disciplinary this latter section for the next three years.
Roosevelt Study Center, affiliations. In April 2006 the EJAS editorial European Americanists are encouraged to
Abdij 8, P.O. Box 6001, committee, representing four countries and submit scholarly works as the success of this
4330 LA Middelburg, various disciplines, met for the first time at the brand-new European journal will very much
the Netherlands, RSC and discussed a number of issues related depend on the quality of the contributions of
tel. +31 (0)118-631590,
to realizing this new journal. the articles submitted by scholars. a
fax +31 (0)118-631593,
rsc@zeeland.nl or visit
our website:
www.roosevelt.nl
400 Years of Dutch-American Relations
In 2006 the RSC launched an exciting new these scholars will serve as co-editors, one for
project: A survey of 400 years of relations each of the six sections of the book. Some
between the Netherlands and America, relations eighty essays are expected to help define
which began when Henry Hudson, the captain significant aspects of Dutch-American history.
of De Halve Maen, set foot on Manhattan
island on September 9, 1609. This step marked Through this undertaking the RSC hopes to
the first physical contact between the Dutch make an essential contribution to the overall
and the North American continent. Despite the U.S.-Netherlands historical scholarship by
close ties between the Netherlands and the producing a much-needed, state-of-the-art
United States and the many articles and books synthesis. While aimed at higher and academic
published on all aspects of U.S.-Netherlands education, the book will, hopefully, also spark
interaction, never before has an adequate, interest and curiosity among the general
comprehensive and up-to-date historical public. In addition, as initiator and
The Halve Maen overview of the relationship been assembled. coordinator of this prestigious book project,
(Half Moon) sailing Given the upcoming occasion of the 400th the RSC hopes to highlight and enhance its
in the Hudson River. anniversary of this event, the RSC decided to role in the realm of Dutch-American studies
take the initiative to coordinate and edit an and strengthen its cooperation with the many
English-language book on the subject. Dozens contributing historians at various universities.
of scholars have been invited to cooperate on The RSC aims to have the final product ready
this major project, tentatively entitled Dutch- for publication and distribution during the
American Relations, 1609-2009. A Survey. Six of 400th anniversary celebrations in 2009. a
A Look Ahead
Upcoming events at the RSC in 2007
Theodore Roosevelt American History Awards, Conference on Democracy and Political Repression,
April 13 April 25-27
Selected by a distinguished jury, the RSC presents an The Eighth Middelburg Conference of European
annual prize for the best M.A. theses on an American Historians of the U.S. will focus on the theme
history topic written by Dutch graduate students in “Democracy and Political Repression in U.S. History.”
the preceding academic year. Replicas of Scholars from Europe and the U.S. are invited to present
Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 Inaugural Medal and prize papers on this theme covering U.S. history from colonial
money will be awarded to the winners, as well as a trip times to the present.
to “Roosevelt sites” in the U.S. for the first prize
winner. Conference on the Atlantic Community,
September 20-21
Ph.D. Seminar, Organized by the RSC in cooperation with the
Editor: April 23-25 University of Cergy-Pontoise in France, this is the
Cornelis A. van Minnen Based on the success of the 2003 and 2005 seminars for second conference in a series of two aiming to analyze a
American history Ph.D. students from the RSC and the variety of aspects of the Atlantic Community in the era
Photos: universities of Cambridge, Sorbonne Nouvelle and of the Cold War. Whereas the 2006 conference at Cergy-
Ruben Oreel Heidelberg, the RSC has scheduled another Ph.D. Pontoise focused on the 1940s and 1950s, the 2007
Anda van Riet seminar to precede the biennial European historians of conference at the RSC will study the Atlantic
Rienk Terpstra the U.S. conference. Community in the 1960s-1970s.You can also read
